Combination luggage and child carrier

Abstract

The invention provides a luggage apparatus (10, 110) capable of being used in normal mode and alternately in child carrying mode. Luggage apparatus (10, 110) has a top (12, 112) a bottom (14, 114), a front (16, 116), a rear (18, 118) and opposing sides (20, 120) and (22, 122). The dimension between the front (16, 116) and the rear (18, 118) is longer than the dimension between the opposing sides (20, 120) and (22, 122). A first wheel means (24, 124) is located in the vicinity of the front (16, 116). The first wheel means (24, 124) is used to wheel luggage apparatus (10, 110) in normal mode. A second wheel means (28, 128) is located in the vicinity of the rear (18, 118) and, in conjunction with the first wheel means (24, 124), can be used to wheel the luggage apparatus (10, 110) in child carrying mode. A child seat (44, 144) is foldable within the luggage apparatus (10, 110) in normal mode and unfoldable in child carrying mode to be positioned on or above the top (12, 112) of the luggage apparatus (10, 110). In child carrying mode, the longer dimension is substantially parallel to the ground supporting the luggage apparatus (10, 110) and the unfolded child seat (44, 144) is positioned so that the centre of gravity of the child seat (44, 144) and any child thereon is substantially between the front (16, 116) and the rear (18, 118).

Description

PRIORITY[0001]Priority is claimed of Australia patent application No 2016904228, the contents of the disclosure in which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to a luggage apparatus capable of being used as a child carrier. In some embodiments, the invention provides a luggage apparatus which is light enough to qualify as cabin luggage or carry-on luggage for an aircraft but which is able to transport an infant or child outside the aircraft.BACKGROUND[0003]The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention, of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.[0004]I...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a child seat that can be used with a luggage apparatus. The seat is independent of the handle, which can be pushed from the front or rear in different configurations. This makes it easier to face the infant while transporting them. The seat can also be used as a child seat when not using the luggage apparatus by simply leaving the handle in its stowed position. The seat can be made lighter and more comfortable by using a lightweight, breathable material and adjusting the angle of recline for the child. These features reduce weight, parts, and make the recline adjustment system simpler.

Problems solved by technology

It is well known that carers of infants and young children experience difficulties when travelling on aircraft.

However, travelers with young children may need to carry the children as well as pulling or pushing wheeled luggage.

Especially in the case of a single traveler it can be very burdensome to transport the carry-on luggage and carry a child or infant.

A child stroller can be used, but child strollers are usually large and cumbersome.

They typically do not fold down sufficiently to fit within carry-on flight luggage dimensions.

Therefore child strollers are required to be transported in the hold as oversize luggage, in some situations adding to the cost of flying.

They may also be damaged or soiled when stowed or transferred.

There is a danger of the child falling off or the luggage tipping over.

In addition, the rearwardly-projecting wheels can interfere with the traveler's stride when pushing the luggage and cause tripping.

It is necessary to have wheels on a scissor-like support member protrude rearwardly, in order to help stabilize the structure, but the wheels can present a walking hazard.

Further, the seating position for the child is high above the ground, and there is a danger that the child may fall off and injure itself or that the suitcase may topple over with the same result.

Lastly, this suitcase is relatively large and would exceed the size permitted for use as cabin luggage.

Once again, it is necessary to have wheels on a scissor-like support member protrude rearwardly, in order to help stabilize the structure, but the wheels can present a walking hazard.

In addition, the seating position for the child is high above the ground, and there is a danger that the child may fall off and injure itself or that the cabin bag may topple over with the same result.

Some solutions reduce the storage capacity of the luggage.

The prior art does not cater for the carriage of infants, who need to be transported in a reclining position for the infant's safety, preferably at an angle of less than 40 degrees to the horizontal.

Further, the prior art does not provide a luggage apparatus versatile enough to transport an infant at first and later the growing child.

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